neuroscience

Recently, I read an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal entitled “Use Your Seat to Get Ahead.” The subtitle of the article, “Sitting next to a star at work improves your performance,” particularly piqued my interest since we do a lot of work with star performers at Cerebyte. The gist of the article is […]

I recently read an article in the New York Times about neuroscience and innovation titled, “Eureka? Yes, Eureka!” The article starts off by disputing a quote from Mark Zuckerberg about innovation. In his quote, Zuckerberg states that innovation does not occur in a single epiphany but as a result of lots of hard work. […]

After listening to me talk about neuroscience, a new acquaintance of mine told me that he had looked up “neuroscience” just so he could better understand what I meant. What he discovered was that there were literally millions of references to the term neuroscience ranging from serious MRI-based technical papers to what I have come […]

We live in a world of 140 characters. Let’s face it, that type of fast-paced, “live in the now” environment makes it hard for workers to be productive. One of the ways companies can help improve their team’s performance is to provide learning programs that produce tangible increases in productivity and effectiveness. However, most companies […]

Are you a doodler? Do you sit in meetings and pass the time by surreptitiously doodling on the meeting agenda? Hide those doodles no more! “Recent research in neuroscience, psychology and design shows that doodling can help people stay focused, grasp new concepts and retain information,” writes Sue Shellenbarger for the Wall Street Journal. According […]

I’ve written before about the power of storytelling and how effective it can be as a conversation-opener, a means to connect with listeners, and a training tool. A site called OneSpot has created a wonderful infographic that explores the science of storytelling in an accessible and visually interesting way. Although the graphic is tailored to […]

I recently read a Wall Street Journal article on neuroscience studies of leaders and their decision-making process. To be completely transparent, the article quotes extensively from Dr. Srini Pillay and Dr. David Rock. (We have a formal partnership with Dr. Pillay, and Dr. Rock wrote an endorsement of our book, “The Star Factor,” so of […]

Simon Sinek is getting a lot of response to his video called, “Why Leaders Eat Last.” The video is an entertaining review of some of the basics of neurochemistry and how they affect people in the workplace. His basic message is that the key to success is people consciously taking care of each other. Taking […]

Cognitive scientists at Brown University have identified the specific regions in the brain that work together to allow us to choose options from working memory. An article in ScienceDaily provides an example of a busy working mom trying to wrap up a business phone call while fielding requests from two children: one wants a snack, […]

A recent interview in the New York Times got me thinking about how effective leaders are often already practicing affirmative leadership, they just don’t know it. In the interview, Adam Bryant spoke with Sabine Heller, chief executive of A Small World, an online travel and lifestyle community. Heller talked about her leadership style. “I empower […]

"Affirmative Leadership, as presented in "The Star Factor," is one of the best front-line leadership development programs that I have worked with. This program helps identify the best practices of your top performers, which are then developed into a learning curriculum for others in the organization. The participants are supported through coaching and mentorship from leaders within the organization. This approach ensures ownership and commitment from the participants in their journey to become better leaders."​

Prashant Bhat, Learning Director, Cigna

"The Star Factor" is a whole new way of thinking about organizational behavior change. It takes neuroscience, adds another important science, positive deviancy, adds technology, and creates a whole new approach to organizational performance. This is one of the more science-based, data driven approaches to organizational transformation I have seen.

"Lucky managers have a star on their roster, a 'Michael Jordan' who can make things happen on the court. Smart managers find ways to bring everyone up to that level. The qualities of stand-out employees are not mysterious--they are tools, attitudes, and inner drives that can be taught and fostered. "The Star Factor" will help you understand what makes a star and how to nurture everyone's inner magic."